Alleged Bondi shooter held hunting licence before attack | World | News
Police have confirmed that one of the suspected gunmen in the Bondi Beach terror attack was licensed to carry a firearm for ‘hunting’ purposes. At the press conference held after the tragic events that resulted in the death of 16 people on Sunday, December 14, it was revealed that Sajid Akram has an EU category driver’s license that allows him to have the long arms he has.
Akram, who was the father of 24-year-old Naveed Akram and worked for him, had 6 firearms licenses. Prime Minister Chris Mins called for changes to gun laws following the tragedy.
Alleged attackers opened fire on a Jewish event marking the first day of Hanukkah. New South Wales Police confirmed 15 innocent victims died, with 38 people still in hospital.
The NSW Police Commissioner said the 50-year-old gunman met the eligibility criteria for a recreational hunting licence. “He was a member of a gun club and was entitled to a firearms license due to the nature of firearms laws. There are two types of hunting licenses: ability to hunt on a property or also as part of a hunting club or gun club,” Mal Lanyon explained.
In 2015, the man was granted an “EU category license which gives him the right to have the long arms he has”. Lanyon added: “In terms of firearms licences, the firearms registry thoroughly examines all applications to ensure that the person is fit and proper to hold a firearms licence.”, reports The Mirror.
“[The police is] “We are still investigating the backgrounds of two individuals… We know very little about them at this stage.”
The commissioner declined to comment when asked about the citizenship of the attackers.
In addition to the six firearms recovered from the scene, police discovered “active devices” described as “fairly basic” in a vehicle in Campbell Parade. These have since been safely removed.
Prime Minister Chris Minns stated at the press conference that changes should be made in gun laws after this tragic incident. “I think it is time for us to change the law regarding firearms legislation in New South Wales,” Minns said.
“But I’m not ready to announce that today. We want to make sure that potential reform and change in New South Wales has a lasting impact.
“You can expect action soon.”
The Prime Minister has announced that he is considering recalling parliament to speed up new arms legislation.
Various investigations are currently ongoing in response to the attack. These include a joint counter-terrorism investigation carried out by the police’s counter-terrorism command and a critical incident investigation.
A significant police presence remains in Bondi following the attack; More than 320 police officers are deployed and off-duty officers are flocking to Bondi to help their colleagues.
